It takes around 24 hours to defrost 1 pound of ground beef in the refrigerator. That’s alot of time if you have guests coming over and planning on making a yummy marinara pasta dish. If only there was a faster way. You could throw the whole thing in the microwave which is not something we recommend since the beef might end up cooking. Here are some safer and better ways to defrost ground beef.
You can try placing it in water
- Remove the ground beef from its packaging and place it in a sealed, leak-proof ziplock bag.
- Fill a large bowl that can completely submerge the ziplock bag with cold water. Hot water might seem like it’ll speed things up, but it can partially cook the beef on the outside while leaving the inside frozen. Plus, warm water creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Place the sealed beef in the bowl. It should be fully submerged. To keep it from floating, weigh it down with something heavy, like a plate or a clean can.
- As the beef sits in the water, the temperature of the water will start to rise, which can create a bacteria-friendly environment. Change the water every 30 minutes.
- After about 1-2 hours, depending on the size, your ground beef should be defrosted. Gently press on the package to see if it’s fully thawed. If it’s still a bit stiff in the middle, let it sit for another 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time and the beef feels a little icy but mostly thawed, you can still cook it. Ground beef breaks apart easily in a pan, so it will quickly defrost.
Or, you can use a defrosting tray
- A defrosting tray is a simple tool made from aluminum. There’s no electricity used. The tray absorbs heat from the air and transfers it to the beef, slowly but safely defrosting it
- It’s super easy to use. Remove your ground beef from the plastic wrap or Styrofoam trays. The tray works best when the meat is in direct contact with its surface.
- Place the meat flat on the defrosting tray. Spread it out as much as possible. Depending on the thickness of the meat, it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to thaw. Keep an eye on it, though. You don’t want to leave it sitting out for too long after it’s defrosted.
- Once the beef is thawed, give the tray a good wash with soap and hot water.
Pro Tip: If you’re defrosting multiple items, like a few smaller packs of ground beef, space them out on the tray instead of stacking them. More surface contact means faster defrosting.
Safety Tips for Defrosting Ground Beef
- Never defrost on the counter. Leaving ground beef at room temperature for a long time allows bacteria to grow which increases the risk of foodborne illness.
- If the beef has a sour smell, slimy texture, or grayish-brown color, discard it. It’s definitely spoilt.
- Avoid refreezing defrosted ground beef as it can negatively affect its texture and quality.
How to Store Ground Beef After Defrosting
If you can’t cook the beef right away, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep it in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination.
FAQs
Can I defrost ground beef in hot water?
No. Hot water creates a temperature range where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Always use cold water instead.
What if I don’t have time to defrost the beef?
You can cook frozen ground beef directly in a skillet or pot. Increase the cooking time and break it apart as it cooks.
How do I know when the beef is defrosted?
Defrosted ground beef should be soft to the touch, with no frozen spots in the middle. It should also separate easily.
Summary
Defrosting ground beef doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you use cold water or a defrosting tray, you can get it done quickly and safely. Just follow the steps, and your ground beef will be ready to cook in no time.
Want an easy way to defrost meat fast? Try the MisterChef Defrosting Tray! Just place your frozen food on it, and it’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy days. Shop with us today.